Punching a hole in your model isn’t difficult. It’s probably one of the easiest things you do in Creo. Unless you need a hole that isn’t perpendicular or its axis isn’t aligned with a point on the surface. Then things can get tricky.

But the good news is, Creo 4.0, just made even some of the most unruly holes a lot more manageable. Here’s how it works:

Create a Hole

Start by creating a hole.

1. In the Engineering group on the Model tab, click Hole.
2. Select two placement references, which can be the following:
   • An axis and a surface. The axis does not have to be perpendicular to the surface.
   • A datum point and a surface. The datum point does not have to be on the surface.

Placing a hole where the axis of the hole is not normal to the surface.

Placing a hole using a datum point (which is the small green X) that is not on the surface.

Note: Other hole placement methods are available in Creo. We are focused on coaxial and on-point holes for this article. See Hole Placement References to learn more.

Change Hole Orientation

Now you can change the orientation of the hole by selecting reference geometry.

1. On the Placement tab, click Select items under Hole orientation.
2. Select Parallel or Perpendicular.
3. Select a reference.

The hole will change so it is parallel or perpendicular to the reference you select.

Changing the orientation of a hole so it is parallel to a reference line (which is the dotted green line).

Set the Top Clearance

If the hole is meant to go all the way through the part, you’ll want to select Top Clearance on the Shape tab.

Selecting the Top Clearance option extends the hole through solid geometry.

If you don’t select this option, the hole may not go all the way through.

The hole ends inside the part when deselecting the Top Clearance option.

Create a Pattern of Holes

The new placement and orientation options extend to patterns of holes too.

A pattern of holes has been created using the new orientation and Top Clearance option.

To learn more about creating patterns, see the Creo Help Center page, About Pattern Features.

Watch the Demo

You can see a brief demo of these tips in the video below.

To learn more, read the PTC Creo Help Center page, Enhanced Hole Tool. 

You'll find Creo 4.0 packed with breakthrough capabilities—on top of hundreds of core enhancements. Download The Best of Creo 4 today to make sure you discover “best of the best,” then link to some quick “how-to” articles and videos, so you can make the most of Creo 4.0 and start designing smarter.